The lifesaving overdose medication Narcan is now available inside all jail cells at the Chelan County Regional Justice Center, providing inmates with fingertip access to the drug. The decision to stock Narcan in the cells was made after a near-death experience involving an overdose incident. Chelan County Jail Director Chris Sharp revealed the move during a public meeting with county commissioners on Tuesday.
We sent one out of the facility for O.D., said Sharp. They required a five-day stay. So, just so the commissioners know, Narcan is now in the cells. We had it outside the cells. We made the call after that incident that we would put Narcan in the cells.
Narcan, also known as Naloxone, is an opioid overdose antidote that can swiftly restore normal breathing to an individual in the midst of an overdose. Sharp informed the county commissioners that each Chelan County jail cell contains either two or four doses of Narcan, depending on the cell’s size.
The idea to place Narcan in the cells received positive feedback during a phone conference among Washington jail commanders. They were advised to follow Sharp’s lead if they encountered a similar overdose issue within their facilities.
Sharp mentioned that the inmates are fully aware of the presence of Narcan in their cells and emphasized that they should not tamper with it. He explained, It’s in the cells. I told them not to mess with it. There’s nothing they can gain by messing with it. It doesn’t get them high.
The use of Narcan to counteract opioids’ potentially fatal effects has become widespread in recent years. It can successfully reverse overdoses caused by opioids like heroin, fentanyl, and prescription medications if administered promptly. Naloxone is easy to use and has been available without the need for medical training or authorization for some time. It is typically packaged as a prefilled nasal spray but is also available in an injectable form.
By equipping jail cells with Narcan, the Chelan County Regional Justice Center aims to ensure timely intervention in case of a drug overdose, potentially saving lives within the incarcerated population.
The introduction of Narcan inside jail cells emphasizes the commitment to addressing the opioid crisis while providing immediate assistance to individuals experiencing an overdose. The decision by Chelan County jail to take this proactive step may serve as a model for other correctional facilities facing similar challenges.
